Whipped frosting is light, fluffy, and delicious – the perfect topping for cakes, cupcakes, and more. While making homemade whipped frosting from scratch can take some time and effort, you can easily transform store-bought frosting into whipped frosting with just a few extra ingredients and some whisking or beating.
What is Whipped Frosting?
Whipped frosting, also sometimes called whipped cream frosting or seven minute frosting, has a light, cloud-like texture that comes from incorporating air into the frosting as it is whipped. This gives it a fluffier, lighter consistency compared to regular frosting, which has a denser, thicker texture.
Whipped frosting is made by whipping frosting – usually a buttercream or cream cheese frosting – along with some other ingredients like milk, cream, or marshmallow creme. The whipping process incorporates tiny air bubbles into the frosting, leading to an increased volume and billowy texture.
The final whipped frosting takes on a smooth, spreadable consistency that is still able to hold its shape well. It has a sweet flavor and creamy mouthfeel, making it a popular choice for frosting cakes and cupcakes.
Benefits of Whipped Frosting
There are a few reasons why people may choose to make whipped frosting rather than using regular frosting:
- Light, airy texture – Whipping introduces air, making it lighter and fluffier.
- Smoother consistency – Whipped frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Lighter flavor – The airy texture can tone down an overly sweet frosting.
- Holds shape well – It can pipe well and hold decorative shapes.
- Fresh, homemade taste – Even from a container, whipping it makes it taste homemade.
The billowy, cloud-like texture gives cakes and cupcakes a light finish. The smooth, fluffy texture also makes it easy to frost treats cleanly and elegantly.
How is Whipped Frosting Different from Buttercream?
Buttercream and whipped frosting are often confused with each other, but they are different:
- Buttercream is made by creaming butter with powdered sugar and sometimes milk, cream, or other ingredients. It has a smooth, creamy texture.
- Whipped frosting is made by whipping buttercream or other frosting with ingredients like milk or marshmallow creme to make it lighter and fluffier.
While buttercream is denser, thicker, and more buttery, whipped frosting is lighter and more billowy. However, both can be used to frost cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
Tips for Making Whipped Frosting
Turning a store-bought frosting into a light, homemade-tasting whipped frosting is easy to do at home with just a few tips:
- Use a buttercream or cream cheese frosting – Thick frostings whip up better than thin ones.
- Let frosting soften – Let refrigerated frosting sit out to soften for 30 minutes before whipping.
- Whip on high speed – Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip the frosting on high speed.
- Add milk or cream – Thin with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Whip until fluffy – Whip for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add flavors – Fold in extracts, cocoa powder, crushed candy, etc. once whipped.
- Use immediately – The whipped texture deflates over time, so use right away.
- Refrigerate leftovers – Store any extra whipped frosting in the fridge.
What You’ll Need
Whipping up store-bought frosting requires just a few simple kitchen tools and ingredients:
- Frosting – Buttercream, cream cheese, or other thick frosting
- Milk or cream – Just a tablespoon or two
- Flavorings (optional) – Extracts, cocoa powder, etc.
- Mixer – Stand or hand mixer to whip the frosting
- Bowl – To whip the frosting in
- Spatula – For frosting cakes or cupcakes
Store-Bought Frosting Options
You can use a variety of store-bought frostings as the base for whipped frosting:
| Frosting | Notes |
|---|---|
| Buttercream | Makes classic whipped frosting with great texture |
| Cream cheese | Tangy whipped frosting perfect for carrot cake or red velvet |
| Vanilla | Use as is or flavor with extracts, cocoa, etc. |
| Chocolate | Delicious chocolate-flavored whipped frosting |
Be sure to choose a frosting with a thicker, dense texture rather than a thin glaze-like frosting. Thick frostings with butter or cream cheese whip up best.
How to Make Whipped Frosting
Follow these simple steps to easily transform a store-bought frosting into light, fluffy whipped frosting:
- Soften the frosting – If it was refrigerated, let it sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes until softened.
- Whip the frosting – Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip the frosting on high speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add milk or cream – Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream to thin out the frosting a bit.
- Whip again – Whip the frosting again on high speed for 3-5 full minutes. It should increase in volume and become light and fluffy.
- Flavor (optional) – Fold in any extra flavorings like cocoa powder, sprinkles, extracts, etc.
- Use immediately – Frost your cake, cupcakes, or other treats right away before the whipped texture deflates.
- Refrigerate leftovers – Store any leftover whipped frosting covered in the fridge for 5-7 days.
The whipping process incorporates air into the frosting, giving it a fluffy texture that’s perfect for piping and decorating cakes or cupcakes.
Troubleshooting Whipped Frosting
If you run into any issues whipping up your frosting, here are some tips to troubleshoot:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Frosting won’t whip up | Make sure frosting is at room temperature. Try adding more milk or cream. |
| Frosting is too thin | Whip longer to thicken it up or refrigerate briefly. |
| Frosting is too stiff | Add more milk or cream 1 tablespoon at a time. |
| Frosting won’t hold shape | Use immediately after whipping. Refrigerate to help it hold shape. |
| Frosting deflates | Avoid overbeating. Use immediately after whipping for best texture. |
Storing Whipped Frosting
Properly stored, whipped frosting will last up to a week in the refrigerator:
- Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent drying out
- Refrigerate unused frosting immediately
- Use within 5-7 days for best quality
- Texture may deflate over time
- Re-whip briefly before using if needed
The whipped texture will start to break down and deflate over time. For freshest results, try to use the whipped frosting within a couple days.
How to Use Whipped Frosting
Whipped frosting is the ideal light, creamy topping for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies, and more. Here are some of the many ways to use it:
- Cake frosting – Frost the tops and sides of cake layers for a light finish
- Cupcake frosting – Swirl onto cupcakes for a pretty look
- Piping decorations – Pipe flowers, borders, and writing for decoration
- Filling layer cakes – Use as a light filling between cake layers
- Topping waffles or pancakes – Dollop onto breakfast treats
- Frosting cookies – Frost sugar cookies for decoration
- Crepe filling – Use as a sweet filling for crepes
- Frosting brownies or bars – Spread over brownies and bar cookies
- Banana bread topping – Spread over banana bread slices
Let your imagination run wild with all the sweet ways to eat this light, fluffy whipped frosting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you whip all frostings?
No, thinner glaze or ganache-style frostings don’t whip up well. Opt for thicker buttercream or cream cheese frostings for the best whipped texture.
How long does it take to whip frosting?
It takes about 5-10 minutes total. Soften frosting, whip for 2-3 minutes, add milk, then whip again for 3-5 minutes more until light and fluffy.
Why does whipped frosting deflate?
Whipping incorporates tiny air bubbles that give it volume. Over time, the air deflates, causing the frosting to deflate. Using immediately helps prevent this.
Is whipped frosting unhealthy?
Whipped frosting is high in sugar like regular frosting. However, the light, fluffy texture means you typically use less than a denser buttercream. Enjoy in moderation.
What milk is best for whipping frosting?
Whole milk or heavy cream work best to thin out frosting for whipping. Skim or low-fat milk may cause issues with whipping and texture.
Whipped Frosting Recipe Variations
Once you master the basic method, try out flavor variations like:
- Chocolate – Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate
- Peanut butter – Swirl in peanut butter before whipping
- Strawberry – Use strawberry frosting and fold in chopped strawberries
- Coconut – Add coconut extract and shredded coconut
- Maple – Flavor with maple extract and maple syrup
- Caramel – Swirl in caramel sauce
Let the flavors of the season or occasion inspire you! The options are endless for flavoring whipped frosting.
Conclusion
Transforming store-bought frosting into light, homemade-tasting whipped frosting is simple. Just whip thickened frosting for several minutes while slowly adding milk or cream until fluffy and spreadable. The result is a frosting that’s smooth, light, and perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, waffles, and more without the fuss of making it completely from scratch. With just a mixer, a bowl, and 5 minutes, you can easily take frosting from the container to the cake!
